Dixon leaves team

TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama defensive back Travell Dixon has left the football team after just one semester and two summer terms on campus.

"I decided to leave due to family and personal reasons," Dixon told The Tuscaloosa News Friday. "I don't know where I am going to go."

UA confirmed Dixon's departure late Friday afternoon.

"Travell Dixon has decided to leave the team for personal reasons," said head coach Nick Saban. "We certainly hate to see any player leave our program, but we understand the situation and we wish him the best of luck in the future."

Dixon joined UA as a junior college transfer in the spring term, coming from Eastern Arizona Junior College. He was among the most heavily recruited junior college prospects in the nation last year, drawing a four-star rating from Rivals.com and scholarship offers from the likes of Oklahoma, Florida State and Nebraska.

Dixon, a cornerback, played with the second-unit defense on A-Day to close out spring drills, and made six tackles with a pass breakup. He said the UA coaching staff was supportive when he told them of his intentions.

"The coaches said they were OK with my decision. They wished me the best of luck," Dixon added.

It remains unclear where Dixon's football career might take him. He is from the Miami area, and played only one season of prep football at Norland High football before going to junior college. Dixon made his official visit to Alabama last November and made his commitment in December.

Word of Dixon's departure comes on the same day the Crimson Tide tried incoming freshman Eddie Williams in the defensive backfield. Williams had practiced at wide receiver through the first week of fall camp before joining the defensive backs on Friday morning. Williams is among several freshmen who are getting an opportunity to practice at multiple positions while the coaching staff evaluates ways in which they might best fit the team.